rudo_tsaritsar's Reviews (222)

I’m honestly still not sure what I read. I plan on reading Haunting Adeline and the author suggests reading this novella prior to reading the 1st in the series. 

At first, I thought Sibel had a supernatural ability that helped her rid the world of evil as she lived and worked at Satan’s Affair, a traveling haunted carnival. Granted it was in a strange fashion but she was doing so. But as I kept reading more of her actions and her mannerisms I was worried that she was unhinged. And who could blame her after years spent in her father’s cult being brainwashed and abused. 

The goriness and bloody depictions did put me off kept reading wanting to know more I suppose. I will say that I didn’t quite guess what the twist was at the end but I was growing suspicious. The smut wasn’t necessary to me and the ending made it even stranger. 

“Moms raised diamonds.”

“And diamonds don’t crack.”

This book was such a fun time as well as a bit emotional as I connected to a tough part in it. I liked Rue as a character, who’s constant thought was to always protect her sister. There were times when her character flaws of being stubborn or not communicating well upset me but thinking of her age and what she had been though, I did sympathize with her. That still didn’t stop the thoughts that some of her problems would have been solved with better communication. She was a flawed character who at times infuriated me but she tried to do what she thought was right and didn’t lose sight of who she was. 

I thought the side characters were well written with one my favorites being Rue’s best friend, Bri. Bri was a rule follower, although she did tip toe that line at times. My love for her grew when something she’d always believed to be true was outed as a lie, and her reaction to it was emotional yet true. 

One of my favorite parts of the book was the stand that was taken to the blatant racism many of the characters faced. This wasn’t something shied away from and I liked that. 

I also enjoyed the magic system the Ghizonians had although I would have loved to delve more into it. There are so many questions I have about that that hopefully will be answered in book 2.

Thank you to Simon and Schuster, Denene Milner Books, and Netgalley for a copy of the book! 

James Carson has gotten away with murder three times. The only thing that might stop him from killing again are the three women he murdered. He hunted them online, masquerading as an eligible bachelor. But what he doesn’t know is the women have found each other and they won’t rest until they find a way to stop him and get justice. 

I first picked up this book because I was intrigued by premise as well as the cover. And boy did it live up to my expectations! The story is told from the viewpoints of each woman, Brecia, Meghan, and Skye. We get to know them, how they lived, how they were killed, and also how they dealt with their deaths. It took a bit to not mix them up but once I did the story flew. 

I felt their anger and hopelessness in their deaths. I was elated when detectives discovered each of their bodies and slowly the chase for James by the police was started. I disliked James but with each new thing I learned about him, my dislike grew. He was a villain I loved to hate!
The ending wasn’t quite a happy one but I can’t say that it wasn’t just. This book just cemented the fact of how on guard women have to be, because predators are always on the lookout for an opening. 

✨
Thank you to Xpresso Book Tours, Dynamite Books, and Netgalley for a copy of the book! I can’t wait to buy a copy for myself.

Phoebe Winchester moves to the town of Ravencreek after her aunt’s death. Her aunt, Eudora, left her her home and bookstore as a way for Phoebe to start a new chapter. After a divorce from an unfaithful husband, a fresh start is just what she needs. Although some of the townsfolk are welcoming, the unlikable Deidre harasses Phoebe to sell her house and store. Shortly after another confrontation with her, Phoebe is called to the bookstore with word that a dead body has been found. 

I always enjoy a cozy mystery with a supernatural element to it. And I got elements of both with the dead body at Phoebe’s shop and the discovery that she was a witch just like her aunt. At first Phoebe didn’t want to be involved in the case but curiosity led her to asking around and wondering what valuable thing  her aunt had possessed. I liked the descriptions of the town and the people that resided in it as well as the stories of aunt Eudora. She seemed like a remarkable and funny woman in life, who was dedicated to helping others, whether it be a shoulder to cry on or with her teas and baked goods filled with magic. 

I enjoyed seeing Phoebe run the bookshop and tea shop and how right at home she felt as she settled in. I liked the budding friendships forming between her and Imogen, her shop assistant, as well as with Amy, the bakery owner next door. Also, who could forget Bob, the cat, who added humor to the story. 

Overall, I enjoyed the story and all the characters involved. I didn’t particularly like Phoebe’s instant like for a character as it seemed a bit weird and forced at times. I would have liked it if we had seen more of her magic at play especially once we knew what her power was. The ending although a bit surprising made sense once all was revealed. 

Thank you to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. 

Overall, I enjoyed the book. Although I didn’t connect much to Signal, I was still rooting for her, hoping she would find her best friend’s murderer. I adored the rest of the campers. I would have loved knowing more of their stories as I liked the growth of their characters. My biggest drawback in the book was the love triangle. It’s just my preference but I’ve never been big on those.